Nigeria security forces detain 2 journalists over story about military abuse in sect crackdown

LAGOS, Nigeria – Nigerian security forces have detained two journalists from a Hausa-language newspaper over articles they published regarding alleged military abuses during the country's fight against a radical Islamist sect.

Mohammed Garba, president of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, said Thursday that Aliyu Saleh and Musa Muhammad Awwal are still being held after their arrests Monday, despite no criminal charges against the two. Garba said journalists and lawyers are working to get access to the two detained reporters, who are likely being held by Nigeria's secret police, the State Security Service.

Service spokeswoman Marilyn Ogar did not respond to requests for comment Thursday.

The Islamist sect known as Boko Haram continues to launch attacks in the nation's north. Military and security forces have killed civilians in the past in their crackdown.